Sign up here to subscribe to the Grower2grower Ezine. Every two weeks you will receive new articles, specific to the protected cropping industry, informing you of industry news and events straight to your inbox.
Top Stories
January 12, 2026
Response to fruit fly find in Mt Roskill continues
The recent detection of a Queensland fruit fly in Mt Roskill and the resulting biosecurity controls on fresh produce movement highlight the very real risk this pest poses to New Zealand’s horticulture sector.
January 12, 2026
Successfully upgrading their HPS lighting across 45 hectares at six cultivation sites
Vreugdenhil-Klugt optimizes year-round plant production with Philips GreenPower LED and GrowWise control system
January 12, 2026
For Sale – 2404 Tram Road, West Eyreton, Waimakariri
Previously home to a successful tomato operation, and more recently utilised for seedlings.
January 12, 2026
For Sale – 254 Union Road Patumahoe
Secure a lifestyle property that also offers a productive, income-generating business.
January 12, 2026
Second Hand 5000m2 Harford Greenhouse For Sale/Removal
Located in Nelson. This 28 year old greenhouse frame still in good condition, heating pipes included.
December 29, 2025
Best of 2025 – Wally van de Westerlo nearing retirement
After thirty-three years of loyal service Wally van de Westerlo is nearing retirement from Horticentre (originally Veg Gro) Drury branch. He will be missed by all the greenhouse growers he has helped over the years.
December 29, 2025
Best of 2025 – Roam presentation on hygiene protocols for greenhouses and biosecurity, Pukekohe, New Zealand
Recently I attended a superb presentation by Ivan Casteels, Roam Technology discussing biosecurity, hygiene, and ToBRFV.
December 29, 2025
Best of 2025 – 79.2% decrease in Emission Trading Scheme (ETS) allocations for South Auckland Cucumber Grower
Chickens come home to roost for Greenhouse Growers
December 29, 2025
Best of 2025 – Velifer – A New Tool in the Tool Box to help control Whitefly and other Greenhouse Insect Pests Approved by EPA
Naturally effective pest management for protected crops (BASF). Velifer® Biological Insecticide adds a new dimension to the management of a wide range of key insect pests within protected cropping structures. Velifer will help manage populations already controlled by conventional knockdown pesticides and complements the use of beneficial insects.
December 29, 2025
Best of 2025 – Tomato Prices on the rise as winter begins to bite
Farmgate values solid in New Zealand and Australia. In New Zealand, farmgate values (FGV) for the standard large loose round tomato are pushing into the $7–$8/kg range this week — a significant jump. Meanwhile, retail prices have soared, with some stores charging as much as $14.99/kg for loose rounds as of Monday.
Subscribe to our E-Zine
December 2, 2025
Why Maintaining Cool Slab Temperatures Is Critical for Greenhouse Crops
Unseasonably hot weather for this time of year—have highlighted just how vulnerable greenhouse crops can be when slab temperatures climb beyond safe limits.
December 17, 2025
Ball Australia Boosts Climate Control with New Blackout Screen Upgrade
'Powerplants partnered with Ball Australia to deliver a full blackout screen replacement, supported by detailed mechanical, electrical, and irrigation work'
December 2, 2025
Propagating success with updated degree offering new pathways for horticulture careers
Updated qualification designed to help students harness the power of plants
December 2, 2025
Treat your bumble bees as VIP’s (VIB’s)
Hives should be placed 1.2–1.5 metres above the ground, away from direct sunlight!
December 2, 2025
Australia: Smart picking cart with real-time tomato grading introduced
Ambit Robotics, a Melbourne-based agtech company, has announced a new intelligent picking cart designed to help greenhouse tomato growers harvest more efficiently and accurately.
December 17, 2025
EPA – New General Manager, Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Appointed
The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) Chief Executive Dr Allan Freeth is delighted to announce the appointment of Dr Fernando Torres-Vélez as the new General Manager, Hazardous Substances and New Organisms.
